The international debut also reveals new AMG flagships, with the G 55 AMG replaced by the G 63 AMG, and the introduction of the V12 G 65 AMG.

While the supercharged 5.4 litre V8 of the G 55 offered a hefty-enough 373kW, Merc's new 5.5 litre bi-turbo V8 puts 400kW and 760Nm of torque under the right foot of G 63 buyers.

Driving the G 65 AMG is the familiar 6.0 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, delivering a huge 450kW and 1000Nm of torque. Mercedes says that with those numbers, the G 65 is the most powerful series-production "cross-country" vehicle on the market.

In the regular G-Class line-up, engine options include the 155kW/540Nm diesel V6 G 350, along with the 285kW/530Nm petrol V8 G 500.

Both engines are matched to a four-wheel-drive layout and a seven-speed automatic transmission.

On the styling and trim front, the updated "Geländewagen" range picks up LED daytime running lights - now a legal requirement in Europe - and new external mirrors.

The AMG variants gain a unique twin-louvre grille, along with new bumpers and their own 20-inch wheel designs.

In the cabin, there's a new steering wheel, instrument cluster and centre stack, along with a dash-mounted LCD display and Merc's COMAND infotainment system.

New safety features include Distronic Plus, Blindspot Assist, Parktronic, and a new ESP system with Trailer Stability Assist and hill-hold funciton.

Australia

The updated G-Class range is due in Australia in the second quarter of 2013.